Aromatherapy & Yoga Retreat at the Beach in Panama

Get more than just a tan on your winter getaway – earn a certification in Aromatherapy in an untouched paradise and hidden gem of Panama.

Open to all interested in a powerful exploration of aromatherapy + essential oils - this 6-day program led by Amy Galper of the New York Institute of Aromatherapy, promises you a guided journey into the intricate world of aromatherapy that is lively, sensory and intensely interactive.

-- group return transfer to and from panama city (please see our pick up times below if you would like to join the transfer)

** optional extras : you may like to add a massage, horse-riding, surf lessons. and/or snorkeling + diving at the exquisite coiba national park.

WHY THIS RETREAT IS SO SPECIAL:

In this incredible 7 Night Retreat, you'll have the chance to uncover the magic of aromatherapy and essential oils and deepen your yoga practice - to unlock a deeper connection with the real you.

The beauty of aromatherapy goes beyond its ability to heal or comfort; it’s that when you unlock the full potential of plants, you unlock your own. In discovering aromatherapy’s incredible healing properties, you also discover your power to inspire, to create joy, and to connect deeply not only with essential oils but with yourself and your community.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP:

if you would like to join our transfer from Panama City to Santa Catalina, please kindly meet in front of Hotel Casa Panama, in Casco Viejo for 12pm sharp on your retreat start day (Jan 15, 2017). Casco Viejo is about a 20-30min cab ride from Panama City Tocumen Airport (PTY).

Book your return flight for 6pm onwards on your final retreat day (Jan 22, 2017) - our transfer will arrive into Panama City around 4pm.

Alternatively, if you would like to make your own way to/from Santa Catalina, we are very happy to provide you with directions for taking the bus or car. we have on-site secure parking. Just let us know!

Panama City Hotels:

If you would like to arrive into panama city the day prior, or stay a day later and explore this magical city, please do! all retreat guests can take advantage of our great rates at our preferred hotels in casco viejo; American Trade Hotel | hotel casa Panama | Magnolia Inn.

About the
Venue and Teachers

Imagine a Yoga and Surf retreat in a tranquil, remote, unspoiled and authentic surf town. Connect with the genuine friendly locals and enjoy their delicious healthy meals of local fresh fruits and local organic seafood each day. Where nature and wildlife is in abundance, and people warmly greet you as you stroll, skate or bike through town. A place to really unplug and disconnect. Coming home feeling more relaxed and refreshed then you've ever been. This is Santa Catalina RetreatsOur retreats are hosted at the picturesque Hotel Santa Catalina, in Santa Catalina Panama - owned by local legend and long-time lover of surfing, nature and the ocean, Kenny Meyers.Secluded and nestled into nature, the property backs onto the breathtaking Pacific Ocean giving you the most spectacular view of the world-famous point break "The Point", home to the ISA World Surfing Games in 2013.With your own private beach access at hide tide, you can take out a Kayak, Surfboard or Stand Up Paddle-board at your leisure. Or simply enjoy the majestic views from the infinity pool, yoga deck and restaurant. Bikes, bodyboards and snorkels are also complimentary for all retreat guests during their stay. Along with moderate speed wifi access in the restaurant social area.Santa Catalina is about a five-hour drive south-west of Panama City on the Pacific Coast. With its remote location, the village remains fairly undeveloped with a handful of small, locally owned hotels, restaurants, and bars. No ATM, pharmacy, large hotels or supermarkets. And with cows and horses roaming the nearby fields and streets, you'll instantly feel the laid-back vibe that has made Santa Catalina a haven for surfers, adventure travelers, and dedicated relaxation seekers.

Michelle Barge has been practicing Yoga since 1996 following a life dedicated to classical ballet and teaching yoga since 2007.
She has been leading global retreats since 2008. Michelle has taught retreats in Jamaica, Costa Rica, Mexico, Italy and Panama as well as the Standard Hotel Miami.
She teaches an integrated Vinyasa practice focused on proper alignment and building core strength.
Focusing on proper alignment helps her students tao into the metaphysical benefits of the practice.
Her style fuses her training in traditional Hatha yoga schools – Iyengar and Ashtanga – with her training in Core Strength Vinyasa Flow.
Michelle brings a deep meditation practice to her classes as well having studied many forms of Buddhist and Hindu meditation.
Michelle has studied and practiced in some of the top yoga studios in New York City and continues to train under some of the leaders in the field.
Michelle currently is the lead Hatha teacher at the famed Golden Bridge of Santa Monica and New York City and also teaches yoga in the New York City Public School System through Bent on Learning, which brings the joy of yoga to the inner city’s low-to-moderate income students.
She also teaches yoga in some of the top corporation in NYC which brings yoga and mindfulness to the workplace through Balance Integration.
Michelle's passions for horseback riding, surf and ocean life and well as fine wines, organic, healthy foods and wellness cross over into all retreats Michelle leads.

Amy Galper, Founder of the New York Institute of Aromatherapy , B.A., M.A., Dipl. AT, the pioneering educator behind NYIOA has been a Certified Aromatherapist for over 16 years, as well as a passionate advocate, entrepreneur, formulator, and consultant in organic beauty and wellness. It’s a journey that began long before the pursuit of wellness was common, and led her to a vast knowledge of essential oils and their applications as a way to connect to the body through the senses.In 2001, after having trained with Jade Shutes (former president of the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, or NAHA), Amy earned her Certificate in Holistic Dynamic Aromatherapy from what is now The School For Aromatic Studies. Today she is also the NYC Director for NAHA.As an entrepreneur, Amy applied her mind-body vision to the world of beauty, developing an award-winning, yoga-inspired line of body care products called Buddha Nose, one of the first organic brands to create national awareness of the need for toxin-free beauty and body care products.She also produced a series of interactive pop-up shops called “The Yoga Beauty Bar” to celebrate artisan organic beauty brands while educating women to make more conscious beauty choices.Over the past several years, Amy has also built a vibrant consultancy practice, offering her expertise—in ingredient research and sourcing, product formulation, wellness event planning, USDA Certification and more—to a number of beauty and wellness brands.Along with her training in aromatic plant medicine, Amy has a certification from the Ohashiatsu Institute, a B.A from Smith College and an M.A. from NYU—as well as a love of going off the grid with only her husband and a lot of relaxing essential oils.

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